Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Resident microglia are the principal immune cells of the brain, and the first to respond to the pathophysiological changes induced by ischemic s...Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Resident microglia are the principal immune cells of the brain, and the first to respond to the pathophysiological changes induced by ischemic stroke. Traditionally, it has been thought that microglial activation is deleterious in ischemic stroke, and therapies to suppress it have been intensively explored. However,increasing evidence suggests that microglial activation is also critical for neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptic remodeling, thereby promoting functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. Here, we comprehensively review the dual role of microglia during the different phases of ischemic stroke, and the possible mechanisms controlling the post-ischemic activity of microglia. In addition, we discuss the dynamic interactions between microglia and other cells, such as neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes,and endothelial cells within the brain parenchyma and the neurovascular unit.展开更多
Electroacupuncture has been widely used to treat cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia,but the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.Studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in...Electroacupuncture has been widely used to treat cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia,but the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.Studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the formation and development of cognitive impairment,and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in autophagy regulation.To investigate the role played by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the electroacupuncture treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rat models,we first established a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion through the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery using the suture method.Starting at 2 hours after modeling,electroacupuncture was delivered at the Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)acupoints,with a dilatational wave(1-20 Hz frequency,2 mA intensity,6 V peak voltage),for 30 minutes/day over 8 consecutive days.Our results showed that electroacupuncture reduced the infarct volume in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,increased the mRNA expression levels of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathwayrelated factors Beclin-1,mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),and PI3K,increased the protein expression levels of phosphorylated Akt,Beclin-1,PI3K,and mTOR in the ischemic cerebral cortex,and simultaneously reduced p53 mRNA and protein expression levels.In the Morris water maze test,the latency to find the hidden platform was significantly shortened among rats subjected to electroacupuncture stimulation compared with rats without electroacupuncture stimulation.In the spatial probe test,the number of times that a rat crossed the target quadrant was increased in rats subjected to electroacupuncture stimulation compared with rats without electroacupuncture stimulation.Electroacupuncture stimulation applied to the Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)acupoints activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and improved rat learning and memory impairment.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Unive展开更多
The inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is an important cause of neurological damage and repair.After cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,microglia are activated,and a large number of circulating infla...The inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is an important cause of neurological damage and repair.After cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,microglia are activated,and a large number of circulating inflammatory cells infiltrate the affected area.This leads to the secretion of inflammatory mediators and an inflammatory cascade that eventually causes secondary brain damage,including neuron necrosis,blood-brain barrier destruction,cerebral edema,and an oxidative stress response.Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways plays a key role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke.Increasing evidence suggests that acupuncture can reduce the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and promote repair of the injured nervous system.Acupuncture can not only inhibit the activation and infiltration of inflammatory cells,but can also regulate the expression of inflammation-related cytokines,balance the effects of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors,and interfere with inflammatory signaling pathways.Therefore,it is important to study the transmission and regulatory mechanism of inflammatory signaling pathways after acupuncture treatment for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of this type of injury using acupuncture.Our review summarizes the overall conditions of inflammatory cells,mediators,and pathways after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,and discusses the possible synergistic intervention of acupuncture in the inflammatory signaling pathway network to provide a foundation to explore the multiple molecular mechanisms by which acupuncture promotes nerve function restoration.展开更多
Intelligent technologies are leading to the next wave of industrial revolution in manufacturing.In developed economies,firms are embracing these advanced technologies following a sequential upgrading strategy-from dig...Intelligent technologies are leading to the next wave of industrial revolution in manufacturing.In developed economies,firms are embracing these advanced technologies following a sequential upgrading strategy-from digital manufacturing to smart manufacturing(digital-networked),and then to newgeneration intelligent manufacturing paradigms.However,Chinese firms face a different scenario.On the one hand,they have diverse technological bases that vary from low-end electrified machinery to leading-edge digital-network technologies;thus,they may not follow an identical upgrading pathway.On the other hand,Chinese firms aim to rapidly catch up and transition from technology followers to probable frontrunners;thus,the turbulences in the transitioning phase may trigger a precious opportunity for leapfrogging,if Chinese manufacturers can swiftly acquire domain expertise through the adoption of intelligent manufacturing technologies.This study addresses the following question by conducting multiple case studies:Can Chinese firms upgrade intelligent manufacturing through different pathways than the sequential one followed in developed economies?The data sources include semistructured interviews and archival data.This study finds that Chinese manufacturing firms have a variety of pathways to transition across the three technological paradigms of intelligent manufacturing in nonconsecutive ways.This finding implies that Chinese firms may strategize their own upgrading pathways toward intelligent manufacturing according to their capabilities and industrial specifics;furthermore,this finding can be extended to other catching-up economies.This paper provides a strategic roadmap as an explanatory guide to manufacturing firms,policymakers,and investors.展开更多
Since cancer stem cells(CSCs)were first identified in leukemia in 1994,they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential an...Since cancer stem cells(CSCs)were first identified in leukemia in 1994,they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies,such as recurrence,metastasis,heterogeneity,multidrug resistance,and radiation resistance.The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors,such as OCT4,Sox2,Nanog,KLF4,and MYC.In addition,many intracellular signaling pathways,such as Wnt,NF-κB(nuclear factor-κB),Notch,Hedgehog,JAK-STAT(Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription),PI3K/AKT/mTOR(phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin),TGF(transforming growth factor)/SMAD,and PPAR(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor),as well as extracellular factors,such as vascular niches,hypoxia,tumor-associated macrophages,cancer-associated fibroblasts,cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells,extracellular matrix,and exosomes,have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs.Molecules,vaccines,antibodies,and CAR-T(chimeric antigen receptor T cell)cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs,and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials.This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs,depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development,and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.展开更多
Many hypotheses exist regarding the mechanism underlying delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP),including the inflammation and immune-mediated damage hypothesis and the cellular apoptosis...Many hypotheses exist regarding the mechanism underlying delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP),including the inflammation and immune-mediated damage hypothesis and the cellular apoptosis and direct neuronal toxicity hypothesis;however,no existing hypothesis provides a satisfactory explanation for the complex clinical processes observed in DEACMP.Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing protein-1(LINGO-1)activates the Ras homolog gene family member A(Rho A)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2(ROCK2)signaling pathway,which negatively regulates oligodendrocyte myelination,axonal growth,and neuronal survival,causing myelin damage and participating in the pathophysiological processes associated with many central nervous system diseases.However,whether LINGO-1 is involved in DEACMP remains unclear.A DEACMP model was established in rats by allowing them to inhale 1000 ppm carbon monoxide gas for 40 minutes,followed by 3000 ppm carbon monoxide gas for an additional 20 minutes.The results showed that compared with control rats,DEACMP rats showed significantly increased water maze latency and increased protein and m RNA expression levels of LINGO-1,Rho A,and ROCK2 in the brain.Compared with normal rats,significant increases in injured neurons in the hippocampus and myelin sheath damage in the lateral geniculate body were observed in DEACMP rats.From days 1 to 21 after DEACMP,the intraperitoneal injection of retinoic acid(10 mg/kg),which can inhibit LINGO-1 expression,was able to improve the above changes observed in the DEACMP model.Therefore,the overexpression of LINGO-1 appeared to increase following carbon monoxide poisoning,activating the Rho A/ROCK2 signaling pathway,which may be an important pathophysiological mechanism underlying DEACMP.This study was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital of Central South Hospital(approval No.201612684)on December 26,2016.展开更多
Apelin-13 is a novel endogenous ligand for an angiotensin-like orphan G-protein coupled receptor,and it may be neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia injury.However,the precise mechanisms of the effects of apelin-1...Apelin-13 is a novel endogenous ligand for an angiotensin-like orphan G-protein coupled receptor,and it may be neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia injury.However,the precise mechanisms of the effects of apelin-13 remain to be elucidated.To investigate the effects of apelin-13 on apoptosis and autophagy in models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,a rat model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion.Apelin-13(50μg/kg)was injected into the right ventricle as a treatment.In addition,an SH-SY5Y cell model was established by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion,with cells first cultured in sugar-free medium with 95%N2 and 5%CO2 for 4 hours and then cultured in a normal environment with sugar-containing medium for 5 hours.This SH-SY5Y cell model was treated with 10-7 M apelin-13 for 5 hours.Results showed that apelin-13 protected against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Apelin-13 treatment alleviated neuronal apoptosis by increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and significantly decreasing cleaved caspase-3 expression.In addition,apelin-13 significantly inhibited excessive autophagy by regulating the expression of LC3B,p62,and Beclin1.Furthermore,the expression of Bcl-2 and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway was markedly increased.Both LY294002(20μM)and rapamycin(500 nM),which are inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway,significantly attenuated the inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis caused by apelin-13.In conclusion,the findings of the present study suggest that Bcl-2 upregulation and mTOR signaling pathway activation lead to the inhibition of apoptosis and excessive autophagy.These effects are involved in apelin-13-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,both in vivo and in vitro.The study was approved by the Animal Ethical and Welfare Committee of Jining Medical University,China(approval No.2018-JS-001)in February 2018.展开更多
Wogonin is a plant flavonoid compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis(Huang-Qin or Chinese skullcap) and has been studied thoroughly by many researchers till date for its anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-cancerou...Wogonin is a plant flavonoid compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis(Huang-Qin or Chinese skullcap) and has been studied thoroughly by many researchers till date for its anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-cancerous and neuro-protective properties. Numerous experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated wogonin's excellent tumor inhibitory properties. The anticancer mechanism of wogonin has been ascribed to modulation of various cell signaling pathways, including serine-threonine kinase Akt(also known as protein kinase B) and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) pathways, p53-dependent/independent apoptosis, and inhibition of telomerase activity. Furthermore, wogonin also decreases DNA adduct formation with a carcinogenic compound 2-Aminofluorene and inhibits growth of drug resistant malignant cells and their migration and metastasis, without any side effects. Recently, newly synthesized wogonin derivatives have been developed with impressive anti-tumor activity. This review is the succinct appraisal of the pertinent articles on the mechanisms of anti-tumor properties of wogonin. We also summarize the potential of wogonin and its derivatives used alone or as an adjunct therapy for cancer treatment. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics and side effects of wogonin and its analogues have also been discussed.展开更多
Almost all patients develop postoperative ileus (POI) after abdominal surgery.POI represents the single largest factor influencing length of stay (LOS) after bowel resection,and has great implications for patients and...Almost all patients develop postoperative ileus (POI) after abdominal surgery.POI represents the single largest factor influencing length of stay (LOS) after bowel resection,and has great implications for patients and resource utilization in health care.New methods to treat and decrease the length of POI are therefore of great importance.During the past decade,a substantial amount of research has been performed evaluating POI,and great progress has been made in our understanding and treatment of POI.Laparoscopic procedures,enhanced recovery pathways and pharmacologic treatment have been introduced.Each factor has substantially contributed to decreasing the length of POI and thus LOS after bowel resection.This editorial outlines resource utilization of POI,normal physiology of gut motility and pathogenesis of POI.Pharmacological treatment,fast track protocols and laparoscopic surgery can each have significant impact on pathways causing POI.The optimal integration of these treatment options continues to be assessed in prospective studies.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease is a rather complex neurodegenerative disease,which is attributed to a combination of multiple factors.Among the many pathological pathways,synaptic dysfunctions,such as synapses loss and defic...Alzheimer's disease is a rather complex neurodegenerative disease,which is attributed to a combination of multiple factors.Among the many pathological pathways,synaptic dysfunctions,such as synapses loss and deficits in synaptic plasticity,were thought to be strongly associated with cognitive decline.The deficiencies in various sorts of neurotransmissions are responsible for the multifarious neurodegenerative symptoms in Alzheimer's disease,for example,the cholinergic and glutamatergic deficits for cognitive decline,the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission dyshomeostasis for synaptic plasticity deficits and epileptiform symptoms,and the monoamine neurotransmission for neuropsychiatric symptoms.Amyloid cascade hypothesis is the most popular pathological theory to explain Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and attracts considerable attention.Multiple lines of genetic and pathological evidence support the predominant role of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease pathology.Neurofibrillary tangles assembled by microtubule-associated protein tau are other important histopathological characteristics in Alzheimer's disease brains.Cascade of tau toxicity was proved to lead to neuron damage,neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in brain.Ageing is the main risk factor of neurodegenerative diseases,and is associated with inflammation,oxidative stress,reduced metabolism,endocrine insufficiencies and organ failures.These aging related risk factors were also proved to be some of the risk factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease.In Alzheimer's disease drug development,many good therapeutic strategies have been investigated in clinical evaluations.However,complex mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and the interplay among different pathological factors call for the come out of allpowerful therapies with multiple curing functions.This review seeks to summarize some of the representative treatments targeting different pathological pathways currently under clinical evaluations.Multi-target therapies as an emerging strategy for A展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Their etiologies are unknown, but they are charac...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Their etiologies are unknown, but they are characterised by an imbalanced production of pro-inflammatory mediators, e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, as well as increased recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. Advantages in understanding the role of the inflammatory pathways in IBD and an inadequate response to conventional therapy in a large portion of patients, has over the last two decades lead to new therapies which includes the TNF inhibitors (TNFi), designed to target and neutralise the effect of TNF-α. TNFi have shown to be efficient in treating moderate to severe CD and UC. However, convenient alternative therapeutics targeting other immune pathways are needed for patients with IBD refractory to conventional therapy including TNFi. Indeed, several therapeutics are currently under development, and have shown success in clinical trials. These include antibodies targeting and neutralising interleukin-12/23, small pharmacologic Janus kinase inhibitors designed to block intracellular signaling of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, antibodies targeting integrins, and small anti-adhesion molecules that block adhesion between leukocytes and the intestinal vascular endothelium, reducing their infiltration into the inflamed mucosa. In this review we have elucidated the major signaling pathways of clinical importance for IBD therapy and highlighted the new promising therapies available. As stated in this paper several new treatment options are under development for the treatment of CD and UC, however, no drug fits all patients. Hence, optimisations of treatment regimens are warranted for the benefit of the patients either through biomarker establishment or other rationales to maximise the effect of the broad range of mode-of-actions of the present and future drugs in IBD.展开更多
Recent progresses in efficient management of nitrogen fertilizers for flooded rice in relation to nitrogen transformations in flooded soil were reviewed.Considerable progress has been achieved in the investigation on ...Recent progresses in efficient management of nitrogen fertilizers for flooded rice in relation to nitrogen transformations in flooded soil were reviewed.Considerable progress has been achieved in the investigation on the mechanism of ammonia loss and the factors affecting it .However,little progress has been obtained in the investigations on nitrification-denitrification loss owing to the lack of method for estimating the fluxes of gaseous N products.Thus,so far the management practices developed or under investigation primarily for reducing ammonia loss are feasible or promising,while those for reducing nitrification-denitrification loss seem obscure,except the point deep placement. In addition,it was emphasized that the prediction of soil N supply and the recommendation of the optimal rate of N application based on it are only semi-quantitative.The priorities in research for improving the prediction are indicated.展开更多
The process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT), first noted during embryogenesis, has also been reported in tumor formation and leads to the development of metastatic growth. It is a naturally occurring proc...The process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT), first noted during embryogenesis, has also been reported in tumor formation and leads to the development of metastatic growth. It is a naturally occurring process that drives the transformation of adhesive,non-mobile epithelial like cells into mobile cells with a mesenchymal phenotype that have ability to migrate to distant anatomical sites. Activating complex network of embryonic signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch,hedgehog and transforming growth factor-β pathways,lead to the upregulation of EMT activating transcription factors, crucial for normal tissue development and maintenance. However, deregulation of tightly regulated pathways affecting the process of EMT has been recently investigated in various human cancers. Given the critical role of EMT in metastatic tumor formation,better understanding of the mechanistic regulation provides new opportunities for the development of potential therapeutic targets of clinical importance.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81571132, 81873743, and 81801223)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China (2017KFYXJJ107 and 2017KFYXJJ124)the National Institutes of Health, USA (R01NS088627)
文摘Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Resident microglia are the principal immune cells of the brain, and the first to respond to the pathophysiological changes induced by ischemic stroke. Traditionally, it has been thought that microglial activation is deleterious in ischemic stroke, and therapies to suppress it have been intensively explored. However,increasing evidence suggests that microglial activation is also critical for neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptic remodeling, thereby promoting functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. Here, we comprehensively review the dual role of microglia during the different phases of ischemic stroke, and the possible mechanisms controlling the post-ischemic activity of microglia. In addition, we discuss the dynamic interactions between microglia and other cells, such as neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes,and endothelial cells within the brain parenchyma and the neurovascular unit.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81574042the Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Research Projects of Henan Province of China,No.2018JDZX011(both to XDF).
文摘Electroacupuncture has been widely used to treat cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia,but the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.Studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the formation and development of cognitive impairment,and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in autophagy regulation.To investigate the role played by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the electroacupuncture treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rat models,we first established a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion through the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery using the suture method.Starting at 2 hours after modeling,electroacupuncture was delivered at the Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)acupoints,with a dilatational wave(1-20 Hz frequency,2 mA intensity,6 V peak voltage),for 30 minutes/day over 8 consecutive days.Our results showed that electroacupuncture reduced the infarct volume in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,increased the mRNA expression levels of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathwayrelated factors Beclin-1,mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),and PI3K,increased the protein expression levels of phosphorylated Akt,Beclin-1,PI3K,and mTOR in the ischemic cerebral cortex,and simultaneously reduced p53 mRNA and protein expression levels.In the Morris water maze test,the latency to find the hidden platform was significantly shortened among rats subjected to electroacupuncture stimulation compared with rats without electroacupuncture stimulation.In the spatial probe test,the number of times that a rat crossed the target quadrant was increased in rats subjected to electroacupuncture stimulation compared with rats without electroacupuncture stimulation.Electroacupuncture stimulation applied to the Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)acupoints activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and improved rat learning and memory impairment.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Unive
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81072947,81473470,81774423,the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China,No.2014A030311033(all to FT).
文摘The inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is an important cause of neurological damage and repair.After cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,microglia are activated,and a large number of circulating inflammatory cells infiltrate the affected area.This leads to the secretion of inflammatory mediators and an inflammatory cascade that eventually causes secondary brain damage,including neuron necrosis,blood-brain barrier destruction,cerebral edema,and an oxidative stress response.Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways plays a key role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke.Increasing evidence suggests that acupuncture can reduce the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and promote repair of the injured nervous system.Acupuncture can not only inhibit the activation and infiltration of inflammatory cells,but can also regulate the expression of inflammation-related cytokines,balance the effects of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors,and interfere with inflammatory signaling pathways.Therefore,it is important to study the transmission and regulatory mechanism of inflammatory signaling pathways after acupuncture treatment for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of this type of injury using acupuncture.Our review summarizes the overall conditions of inflammatory cells,mediators,and pathways after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,and discusses the possible synergistic intervention of acupuncture in the inflammatory signaling pathway network to provide a foundation to explore the multiple molecular mechanisms by which acupuncture promotes nerve function restoration.
基金This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(91646102,L1824039,L1724034,L1624045,and L1524015)the project of China’s Ministry of Education(16JDGC011)+6 种基金the Chinese Academy of Engineering’s consultancy project(2019-ZD-9)the National Science and Technology Major Project(2016ZX04005002)Beijing Natural Science Foundation Project(9182013)the technology projects of the Chinese Academy of Engineering’s China Knowledge Center for Engineering Sciences(CKCEST-2019-2-13,CKCEST-2018-1-13,CKCEST-2017-1-10,and CKCEST-2015-4-2)the UK–China Industry Academia Partnership Programme(UK-CIAPP\260)the Volvo-supported Green Economy and Sustainable Development Projects in the Tsinghua University(20153000181)Tsinghua Initiative Research(2016THZW).
文摘Intelligent technologies are leading to the next wave of industrial revolution in manufacturing.In developed economies,firms are embracing these advanced technologies following a sequential upgrading strategy-from digital manufacturing to smart manufacturing(digital-networked),and then to newgeneration intelligent manufacturing paradigms.However,Chinese firms face a different scenario.On the one hand,they have diverse technological bases that vary from low-end electrified machinery to leading-edge digital-network technologies;thus,they may not follow an identical upgrading pathway.On the other hand,Chinese firms aim to rapidly catch up and transition from technology followers to probable frontrunners;thus,the turbulences in the transitioning phase may trigger a precious opportunity for leapfrogging,if Chinese manufacturers can swiftly acquire domain expertise through the adoption of intelligent manufacturing technologies.This study addresses the following question by conducting multiple case studies:Can Chinese firms upgrade intelligent manufacturing through different pathways than the sequential one followed in developed economies?The data sources include semistructured interviews and archival data.This study finds that Chinese manufacturing firms have a variety of pathways to transition across the three technological paradigms of intelligent manufacturing in nonconsecutive ways.This finding implies that Chinese firms may strategize their own upgrading pathways toward intelligent manufacturing according to their capabilities and industrial specifics;furthermore,this finding can be extended to other catching-up economies.This paper provides a strategic roadmap as an explanatory guide to manufacturing firms,policymakers,and investors.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(nos.2016YFC1302204,2017YFC1308600)the National Science Foundation of China(nos.81672502,81872071,81902664)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing(no.cstc2019jcyj-zdxmX0033).
文摘Since cancer stem cells(CSCs)were first identified in leukemia in 1994,they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies,such as recurrence,metastasis,heterogeneity,multidrug resistance,and radiation resistance.The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors,such as OCT4,Sox2,Nanog,KLF4,and MYC.In addition,many intracellular signaling pathways,such as Wnt,NF-κB(nuclear factor-κB),Notch,Hedgehog,JAK-STAT(Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription),PI3K/AKT/mTOR(phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin),TGF(transforming growth factor)/SMAD,and PPAR(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor),as well as extracellular factors,such as vascular niches,hypoxia,tumor-associated macrophages,cancer-associated fibroblasts,cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells,extracellular matrix,and exosomes,have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs.Molecules,vaccines,antibodies,and CAR-T(chimeric antigen receptor T cell)cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs,and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials.This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs,depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development,and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
文摘Many hypotheses exist regarding the mechanism underlying delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP),including the inflammation and immune-mediated damage hypothesis and the cellular apoptosis and direct neuronal toxicity hypothesis;however,no existing hypothesis provides a satisfactory explanation for the complex clinical processes observed in DEACMP.Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing protein-1(LINGO-1)activates the Ras homolog gene family member A(Rho A)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2(ROCK2)signaling pathway,which negatively regulates oligodendrocyte myelination,axonal growth,and neuronal survival,causing myelin damage and participating in the pathophysiological processes associated with many central nervous system diseases.However,whether LINGO-1 is involved in DEACMP remains unclear.A DEACMP model was established in rats by allowing them to inhale 1000 ppm carbon monoxide gas for 40 minutes,followed by 3000 ppm carbon monoxide gas for an additional 20 minutes.The results showed that compared with control rats,DEACMP rats showed significantly increased water maze latency and increased protein and m RNA expression levels of LINGO-1,Rho A,and ROCK2 in the brain.Compared with normal rats,significant increases in injured neurons in the hippocampus and myelin sheath damage in the lateral geniculate body were observed in DEACMP rats.From days 1 to 21 after DEACMP,the intraperitoneal injection of retinoic acid(10 mg/kg),which can inhibit LINGO-1 expression,was able to improve the above changes observed in the DEACMP model.Therefore,the overexpression of LINGO-1 appeared to increase following carbon monoxide poisoning,activating the Rho A/ROCK2 signaling pathway,which may be an important pathophysiological mechanism underlying DEACMP.This study was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital of Central South Hospital(approval No.201612684)on December 26,2016.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81870948(to BB),81671276(to BHC),81501018(to CMW)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.ZR2014HL040(to BHC)Program Supporting Foundation for Teachers’Research of Jining Medical University of China,No.JYFC2018KJ003(to SSD).
文摘Apelin-13 is a novel endogenous ligand for an angiotensin-like orphan G-protein coupled receptor,and it may be neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia injury.However,the precise mechanisms of the effects of apelin-13 remain to be elucidated.To investigate the effects of apelin-13 on apoptosis and autophagy in models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,a rat model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion.Apelin-13(50μg/kg)was injected into the right ventricle as a treatment.In addition,an SH-SY5Y cell model was established by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion,with cells first cultured in sugar-free medium with 95%N2 and 5%CO2 for 4 hours and then cultured in a normal environment with sugar-containing medium for 5 hours.This SH-SY5Y cell model was treated with 10-7 M apelin-13 for 5 hours.Results showed that apelin-13 protected against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Apelin-13 treatment alleviated neuronal apoptosis by increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and significantly decreasing cleaved caspase-3 expression.In addition,apelin-13 significantly inhibited excessive autophagy by regulating the expression of LC3B,p62,and Beclin1.Furthermore,the expression of Bcl-2 and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway was markedly increased.Both LY294002(20μM)and rapamycin(500 nM),which are inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway,significantly attenuated the inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis caused by apelin-13.In conclusion,the findings of the present study suggest that Bcl-2 upregulation and mTOR signaling pathway activation lead to the inhibition of apoptosis and excessive autophagy.These effects are involved in apelin-13-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,both in vivo and in vitro.The study was approved by the Animal Ethical and Welfare Committee of Jining Medical University,China(approval No.2018-JS-001)in February 2018.
基金supported by the 2015 scientific promotion program funded by Jeju National University
文摘Wogonin is a plant flavonoid compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis(Huang-Qin or Chinese skullcap) and has been studied thoroughly by many researchers till date for its anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-cancerous and neuro-protective properties. Numerous experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated wogonin's excellent tumor inhibitory properties. The anticancer mechanism of wogonin has been ascribed to modulation of various cell signaling pathways, including serine-threonine kinase Akt(also known as protein kinase B) and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) pathways, p53-dependent/independent apoptosis, and inhibition of telomerase activity. Furthermore, wogonin also decreases DNA adduct formation with a carcinogenic compound 2-Aminofluorene and inhibits growth of drug resistant malignant cells and their migration and metastasis, without any side effects. Recently, newly synthesized wogonin derivatives have been developed with impressive anti-tumor activity. This review is the succinct appraisal of the pertinent articles on the mechanisms of anti-tumor properties of wogonin. We also summarize the potential of wogonin and its derivatives used alone or as an adjunct therapy for cancer treatment. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics and side effects of wogonin and its analogues have also been discussed.
基金Supported by North Norwegian Health Authorities Research Fund
文摘Almost all patients develop postoperative ileus (POI) after abdominal surgery.POI represents the single largest factor influencing length of stay (LOS) after bowel resection,and has great implications for patients and resource utilization in health care.New methods to treat and decrease the length of POI are therefore of great importance.During the past decade,a substantial amount of research has been performed evaluating POI,and great progress has been made in our understanding and treatment of POI.Laparoscopic procedures,enhanced recovery pathways and pharmacologic treatment have been introduced.Each factor has substantially contributed to decreasing the length of POI and thus LOS after bowel resection.This editorial outlines resource utilization of POI,normal physiology of gut motility and pathogenesis of POI.Pharmacological treatment,fast track protocols and laparoscopic surgery can each have significant impact on pathways causing POI.The optimal integration of these treatment options continues to be assessed in prospective studies.
基金funded by University of Macao (File No.MYRG2016-00102-FHS)(to KYT)。
文摘Alzheimer's disease is a rather complex neurodegenerative disease,which is attributed to a combination of multiple factors.Among the many pathological pathways,synaptic dysfunctions,such as synapses loss and deficits in synaptic plasticity,were thought to be strongly associated with cognitive decline.The deficiencies in various sorts of neurotransmissions are responsible for the multifarious neurodegenerative symptoms in Alzheimer's disease,for example,the cholinergic and glutamatergic deficits for cognitive decline,the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission dyshomeostasis for synaptic plasticity deficits and epileptiform symptoms,and the monoamine neurotransmission for neuropsychiatric symptoms.Amyloid cascade hypothesis is the most popular pathological theory to explain Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and attracts considerable attention.Multiple lines of genetic and pathological evidence support the predominant role of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease pathology.Neurofibrillary tangles assembled by microtubule-associated protein tau are other important histopathological characteristics in Alzheimer's disease brains.Cascade of tau toxicity was proved to lead to neuron damage,neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in brain.Ageing is the main risk factor of neurodegenerative diseases,and is associated with inflammation,oxidative stress,reduced metabolism,endocrine insufficiencies and organ failures.These aging related risk factors were also proved to be some of the risk factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease.In Alzheimer's disease drug development,many good therapeutic strategies have been investigated in clinical evaluations.However,complex mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and the interplay among different pathological factors call for the come out of allpowerful therapies with multiple curing functions.This review seeks to summarize some of the representative treatments targeting different pathological pathways currently under clinical evaluations.Multi-target therapies as an emerging strategy for A
基金Supported by Grants from the Foundation of Aase and Ejnar Danielsenthe Foundation of Axel Muusfeldtthe A P Mφller Foundation("Fonden til Lgevidenskabens Fremme")
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Their etiologies are unknown, but they are characterised by an imbalanced production of pro-inflammatory mediators, e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, as well as increased recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. Advantages in understanding the role of the inflammatory pathways in IBD and an inadequate response to conventional therapy in a large portion of patients, has over the last two decades lead to new therapies which includes the TNF inhibitors (TNFi), designed to target and neutralise the effect of TNF-α. TNFi have shown to be efficient in treating moderate to severe CD and UC. However, convenient alternative therapeutics targeting other immune pathways are needed for patients with IBD refractory to conventional therapy including TNFi. Indeed, several therapeutics are currently under development, and have shown success in clinical trials. These include antibodies targeting and neutralising interleukin-12/23, small pharmacologic Janus kinase inhibitors designed to block intracellular signaling of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, antibodies targeting integrins, and small anti-adhesion molecules that block adhesion between leukocytes and the intestinal vascular endothelium, reducing their infiltration into the inflamed mucosa. In this review we have elucidated the major signaling pathways of clinical importance for IBD therapy and highlighted the new promising therapies available. As stated in this paper several new treatment options are under development for the treatment of CD and UC, however, no drug fits all patients. Hence, optimisations of treatment regimens are warranted for the benefit of the patients either through biomarker establishment or other rationales to maximise the effect of the broad range of mode-of-actions of the present and future drugs in IBD.
文摘Recent progresses in efficient management of nitrogen fertilizers for flooded rice in relation to nitrogen transformations in flooded soil were reviewed.Considerable progress has been achieved in the investigation on the mechanism of ammonia loss and the factors affecting it .However,little progress has been obtained in the investigations on nitrification-denitrification loss owing to the lack of method for estimating the fluxes of gaseous N products.Thus,so far the management practices developed or under investigation primarily for reducing ammonia loss are feasible or promising,while those for reducing nitrification-denitrification loss seem obscure,except the point deep placement. In addition,it was emphasized that the prediction of soil N supply and the recommendation of the optimal rate of N application based on it are only semi-quantitative.The priorities in research for improving the prediction are indicated.
文摘The process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT), first noted during embryogenesis, has also been reported in tumor formation and leads to the development of metastatic growth. It is a naturally occurring process that drives the transformation of adhesive,non-mobile epithelial like cells into mobile cells with a mesenchymal phenotype that have ability to migrate to distant anatomical sites. Activating complex network of embryonic signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch,hedgehog and transforming growth factor-β pathways,lead to the upregulation of EMT activating transcription factors, crucial for normal tissue development and maintenance. However, deregulation of tightly regulated pathways affecting the process of EMT has been recently investigated in various human cancers. Given the critical role of EMT in metastatic tumor formation,better understanding of the mechanistic regulation provides new opportunities for the development of potential therapeutic targets of clinical importance.
